Ashley Cole signs new Chelsea deal

The defender has been in talks for several weeks and has agreed a new deal, which will tie him to Stamford Bridge until 2014 and is expected improve his salary from £80,000 to £100,000 a week.

The club are also confident Joe Cole's future will shortly be secured.

The England midfielder, who has yet to play this season as he recovers from a serious knee injury, was the subject of interest from Tottenham in the transfer window but Chelsea said he was not for sale.

Chelsea, meanwhile, insist Nicolas Anelka is happy at the club after reports suggesting he was angry at their refusal to open talks over a new contract.

The French striker has been reassured over his future and is understood to be relaxed about his situation.